It’s a somewhat new look for the Penn State football defensive line this season.

With notable players such as Dvon J-Thomas, Amin Vanover, Coziah Izzard, and, of course, Abdul Carter parting with the program, there is significantly shallower depth in terms of real game experience.

The starting defensive line has looked something like this so far: Dani Dennis-Sutton at the defensive end position with Alonzo Ford and Zane Durant at the defensive tackle positions. The second defensive end spot has been a mixed bag in the first two weeks of the season as prospective starter Zuriah Fisher continues to work his way back from injury.

As for the rotational players behind those starters, the first games of the season have been perfect for getting live-action game snaps, allowing younger players to get comfortable with the speed and intensity they haven’t seen in practice.

At the defensive tackle position, redshirt freshman Xavier Gilliam is finally getting his shot to play and continue his development as a future key component of the Penn State defensive line.

“I didn’t really play much last year, so to get an opportunity to play in the first two games, and get some significant snaps, it feels good,” Gilliam said after practice on Wednesday. “This year, I have more of a rotational role. I’m in there in the first quarter, getting snaps, and I’m getting goal-line packages. I’m out there a lot, just trying to uphold the standard.”

Gilliam only appeared in five games last season as a true freshman, making a single tackle against Maryland. The year didn’t count towards his eligibility due to staying under the required snap count, making this season his and a couple of others’ first where he feels he can make a true difference on the defensive line.

“I feel like we’ve got a lot of mature guys. We got a lot of second-year players, too. So a lot of guys know what it’s supposed to look like. That makes up for the age in the room,” Gilliam said.

Gilliam was adamant that his offseason development was a key factor in his performances in Penn State’s week two matchup with FIU, where he secured a career-high four tackles, including two solo tackles. According to Gilliam, he gained over thirty pounds since his true freshman year, going from 260 to about 295 pounds.

The redshirt freshman discussed that taking time in the film room to improve his techniques while also learning from the few upperclassmen leaders, such as Durant and Dennis-Sutton, has also resulted in improvement in his game. Most of all, going against a respected offensive line every day in practice has forced the young player to get better.

“We have a really good offensive line. [Anthony Donkoh], [Olaivavega Ioane], [Nick Dawkins] have all given me great fits. I feel like that’s also helped me develop as a player. Vega, he’s probably one of the best offensive linemen in the country, so just going against him every day, you have no choice but to get better,” Gilliam said.

With Penn State’s non-conference schedule coming to a close on Saturday against Villanova, players such as Gilliam look to capitalize on a one-sided affair, resulting in more significant snaps that could prove their readiness for the bright lights of the Big Ten schedule that awaits.